WORLD ▫ NORTH AMERICA ▫ CAYMAN ISLANDS
▫ GRAND CAYMAN
Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands in the Cayman Islands. George Town is the largest city and capital of the Cayman Islands. Grand Cayman's Seven Mile beach is one of the finest beaches in the world. Districts
Bodden Town East End George Town North Side West BayGet in
By planeOwen Roberts International Airport () (), Airport information: 345-949-5252 or +1 345 949-7811, Flight information: 345-949-7811. Located 2.5 km (1.5 mi) east of George Town. The airport has one runway and one terminal. Taxis are easily available with fixed rates to all island areas. Hotels are not allowed courtesy shuttles. By boatCruise ships anchor offshore and tender passengers into the harbor dock. George Town is a very popular port and is included by many cruise lines in "Western Caribbean" itineraries. Get around
There is a small walkable area of shops around the George Town harbor. Seven Mile beach is not within walking distance of the harbor cruise docks.Taxis are available at the cruise ship docks in downtown George Town, and at all resorts.By busGrand Cayman Public Bus Transport, Edward St. next to the library, Georgetown, Phone: 945-5100. Licensed buses are identified by blue licence plates. Daily service starts at 6AM from the depot and the schedule is as follows from George Town to: *West Bay - every 15 minutes, Su-Th 6AM-11PM; F,Sa 6AM-12AM. CI$1.50 each way. *Bodden Town - Every 30 minutes, Su-Th 6AM-11PM; F,Sa 6AM-12AM. CI$1.50 each way. *East End and North Side - Every hour, Daily 6AM-9PM, (F until after 12AM). CI$2 each way. The system uses color-coded logos on the front and rear of buses to identify routes:*Route 1 (yellow) George Town to West Bay.*Route 2 (lime green) George Town to West Bay.*Route 3 (blue) provides service between the depot in George Town and Bodden Town.*Route 4 (purple) operates between the depot and East End.*Route 5 (red) goes from the depot to East End and North Side.*Route 6 (dark green) operates from North Side to West Bay.*Route 7 (dark green with white numbers) is an inter-district service for George Town.*Route 8 (orange) runs from the depot to Hutland in North Side.By vehicleCar rentals are readily available. You must be 21 years old to rent a car. Driving is on the left hand side of the road and seatbelt use is mandatory. Visitors must get a temporary driver's license from the police station or car rental agency. This is obtained by showing a valid drivers license from their home state, county or parish and paying a US$7.50 fee. Mopeds and scooter rentals are available on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Helmet use is required. Usual daily rate is US$25 for helmet and permit. See
The first three below are within walking distance in George Town.*Cayman Islands National Museum, Harbour Drive, George Town. Phone: 345-949-8368, Fax: 345-949-0309, . M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-2PM. $4/$2.*Ft. George remains, Harbour Dr. and Fort St., George Town, . Remains of a 1790 fort built to protect the harbor.*Cayman Maritime Treasure Museum, North Church St., George Town. Boat building, turtling and pirates. $5/$3.Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, North Side. Phone: 345-947-3558, Fax: 345-947-7873, email:guthrie@candw.ky, . Daily 9AM-6:60PM. Much to see here with a visitor center, short walking trail, endemic blue iguanas, a 1900 era Cayman farmhouse and sand garden. Adults $6, age 6-12 $3.50.Cayman Turtle Farm, West Bay. Phone: 345-949-3894, Fax: 345-949-1387, . Over fourteen thousand turtles from the tiniest to over 400 pounds.Pedro St. James Castle, Savannah. Phone: 345-947-3329. This 1780 stone structure, surrounded by a preserve has hourly multimedia shows.Hell, West Bay. This is a common tour stop, often shrugged at by those who go there. It consists of black rock formations that are thought to resemble what Hell might be like. You can get postcards postmarked there.Cemetery Beach, Seven Mile Beach. This is the northern end of Seven Mile Beach, beautiful spot with snorkeling right off shore. Access is off the road through a small path. Next to a small island cemetery, hence the name.Do
The island's most famous excursion is to Stingray City where boatloads of tourists debark at nearby Stingray Sandbar and squeal nervously while adjusting to the presence of large rays which they can feed and "pet" while snorkeling in waist deep water. Moby Dick Tours, Phone: 480-626-5429, . Stingray city tours $35, under 12 $30.Native Way Watersports, Cayman Yacht Club, Phone: 1-345-916-5027, . Locally owned and staffed with a variety of tours available.Soto's Cruises, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-945-4576, email: scruises@candw.ky,. Stingray city tours. $30. '"Boatswain’s Beach", formerly the Cayman Turtle Farm, is a 24-acre marine park. The world’s only commercial Green Sea Turtle farm, it is home to over 16,000 sea turtles, ranging in size from six ounces to six hundred pounds and now even houses an alligator. Boatswain’s Beach features a 1.3 Million Gallon Saltwater Snorkel Lagoon where visitors can swim with turtles and other marine life; a Predator Tank (viewable by snorkelers); an Aviary and Iguana sanctuary; a Nature Trail and “Blue Hole” Sunken Cave, turtle farm tours with full access around the breeding ponds; Caymanian Heritage Street with porch-side artisans and crafts and restaurants featuring classic and contemporary Caymanian cuisine; and a state of the art research and educational facility focusing on the conservation of sea turtles. $12.00Atlantis Adventures, South Church Street, George Town Harbor, Phone: 345-949-7700, . See the reefs from a 48-person submarine.Silver Thatch Excursions, Phone: 345-945-6588. Eco-tourism award winning biologist Geddes Hislop. Walking tours, either eco tours to the rainforest or historical tours.Blackbeard's Nancy, West Bay Rd, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 349-949-8988. This replica schooner offers a variety of options including a dinner cruise.DivingSunset Divers at Sunset House, South Sound, Phone: 345-949-7111, Fax: 345-949-7101,.Red Sail Sports, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-945-5965, Fax: 345-945-5808,.Don Foster's Dive Cayman Islands, Toll free: 800-833-4837, Phone: 345-945-5132, .Ocean Frontiers, East End, Toll free: 800 348 6096, phone 345-947-7500, Horseback RidingNicki's Beach Rides, Phone: 345-945-5834. Honey Suckle Trail Rides, Phone: 345-947-7976.Pampered Ponies Ltd., Phone: 345-945-2262, .FestivalsBatabano, the Grand Cayman carnival occurs near the end of April or early May. Batabano is a weekend of live steelband music, revelers parading the streets in colorful costumes, and eating exotic foods. Cayman Brac holds a celebration called "Brachanal" the next Saturday after Grand Cayman's.Pirates Week Festival, George Town with events country-wide, Tel: 345-949-5859, Fax: 345-949-5449, . Mid-November (2006: Nov. 9-19). Fireworks, "pirate landings", street dancing, heritage day events in Cayman towns, more.Buy
Caymanite is the Cayman Islands' own semi-precious stone. It is a very hard stone which varies across the earth colors. Available at most jewelers. Black coral is also a Cayman jewelry staple.Tortuga Rum Company, Phone: 345-949-6322, Georgetown, . A favorite stop of many for their rum cakes. Free tasting of the cake. Farmer's Market Cooperative, Thomas Russell Way. Local produce, jams, sauces.Eat
Bacchus Restaurant & Wine Bar, Fort Street, George Town, (across from Senor Frogs), Phone: 345-949-5747. Contemporary International, Menu changes daily. Great dishes- Lobster bisque in cognac cream and lobster quesadillas. Excellent Service. $10-29SeaHarvest (at Sunset House), South Church St., Phone: 345-945-1383, . Spectacular Seafood and East and West Indian dishes'' Great value, menus on website. $10-$28.Cracked Conch by the Sea, N. West Point Rd.,next to Turtle Farm, West Bay, Phone: 345-945-5217, . Good family restaurant with a nautical theme. $10-$28. Breezes By the Bay!, Downtown George Town, Phone: 345-943-VIEW (943-8439), . Two decks, right on the waterfront, Casual, fun Caribbean food & "Umbrella Drinks"! Chicken! Chicken!, West Shore Centre, West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-945-2290. Slow roasted and inexpensive.CIMBOCO - a Caribbean Cafe, near the only stop light, Seven Mile Beach (next to the only Cinema), Phone: 345-94-PASTA (947-2782), . Ecclectic, Caribbean Cafe with Exhibition Kitchen; reasonably priced, local spot, all from scratch. Hemingway's, Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman, West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-945-5700. Outdoor fine dining. $20-$30.Lone Star Bar & Grill, West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-945-5175. Tex-Mex, burgers and steaks. $17-$28.Portofino's, East End by the ocean, Phone: 345-947-2700. Beautiful site, view of the famous "Wreck of the Ten Ships", casual, friendly family atmosphere. Cayman style cuisine: jerk chicken, excellent fish, mixed drinks. $4.50-$28.Neptune's, Trafalgar Place, West Bay Rd., West Bay, Phone: 345-946-8709. Great food and not overly fancy. $10-$30.Reef Grill at Royal Palms, West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-945-6358. Indoor and outdoor dining. Great views of Seven Mile Beach and great seafood dishes. $20-$30.BakeryYe Old English Bakery, Harbour Dr., George Town, Phone: 345-945-2420. Breakfast and lunch. Cash only. Try the scones. Internet available.Drink
BarsMy Bar at Sunset House,, South Church St, George Town, .. Infamous open aired, thatch roof bar. Rated Best in the Caribbean by Caribbean Travel & Life.Lazy Lizard Beachouse Bar & Grill,, West Bay Rd, Seven Mile Beach. Outdoor bar.Pirates Den Pub & Restaurant, Galleria Plaza, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-949-7144. English pub type. Good place to kick back and watch sports.Big Daddy's Restaurant and Sports Bar, West Bay Rd, Treasure Island Resort, Phone: 345-949-8511.NightlifeLegendz, West Bay Rd, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-945-1950. Extremely popular, busy nightclub with a variety of entertainment.O Bar, Queens Court, 2nd floor, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-943-6227. Open earlier than many other clubs, the O attracts a young, trendy crowd.Sleep
Lodging is expensive on Grand Cayman. Budget Eldemire's B&B Guest House, 18 Pebbles Way, off S. Church St., George Town, Phone: 345-949-5387, . 6 rooms.Rocky Shore Guest House, 30 Grass Piece La., West Bay, Phone: 345-926-0119, Fax: 345-946-0118, . Four rooms with two of them sharing baths. Moderate Turtle Nest Inn, Red Bay Rd., Bodden Town, Phone: 345-947-8665, Fax: 345-947-6379, . Eight one-bedroom apartments. Retreat at Rum Point , North Side, Grand Cayman, Toll free: 866-947-9135, Fax: 345-947-9116, . One, two, and three bedroom suites available. Sunset House , South Church St., George Town, Phone: 345-949-7111, Toll free: 800-854-4767, Fax: 345-949-7101, . Fifty-eight rooms and two suites. A great place for divers and handy to George Town. Courtyard by Marriott, 1590 West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-946-4433, Fax: 345-946-4434. . Sunshine Suites by Wyndham, West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-949-3000, Toll free: 877-786-1110, Fax: 345-949-1200, ."'Compass Point Dive Resort, Austin Conolly Drive, East End, Grand Cayman, Toll free: 1 800 348 6096, phone: 1 345 947 7500 . Splurge Cayman Island Condos, Seven Mile Beach, Toll free: 800-999-1338. Condos in five different resorts with full access to resort amenities. Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman Beach Suites, West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-949-1234, Toll free: 800-233-1234, Fax: 345-949-8528. The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman, West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-943-9000 The Grand Marriott, Seven Mile BeachGet out
Day trips to Little Cayman or Cayman Brac are possible.
Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands at about 196 km² and contains the capital George Town. Towns on the island are referred to as "districts". It is located at . The island is a high-lying reef of "ironshore" (limestone fringes with numerous marine fossils), with a highest elevation of roughly 24 meters above sea level. There is no natural fresh water (lakes, rivers, etc) on the island, so any fresh water needs must be met by catchments or desalination of seawater. The lack of rivers does however account for the exceptional clarity of the sea. The island was devastated by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 from September 11 to September 12. With Category 5 strength, Ivan passed within 30 miles of Grand Cayman, hitting it with winds over 180 mph (290 km/h) and gusts up to 200mph. The island reported no more than a few deaths - none directly caused by the hurricane - but over 80% of the buildings were either damaged or completely destroyed. Ivan was the worst hurricane to hit the island in 86 years. The eastern side of the island is somewhat undeveloped, while the western side of the island, which holds George Town and the airport, Owen Roberts International Airport, is more developed. Fast food restaurants, night clubs and resorts can be found on the western side of the island. The eastern districts offer more restaurants specializing in native Caymanian cuisine. Tourism
The economy depends mainly on tourism - GDP is approximately 75% tourist related. Grand cayman claims many other tourism attractions other than Seven Mile Beach. Grand Cayman is particularly well known for spectacular diving and snorkeling. The island features many reefs and walls, some of which can be accessed by swimming from shore. The district of West Bay features a turtle farm. The majority of Green Sea Turtles are raised for their meat, the theory being that this eliminates consumption of wild animals. Some of the farmed turtles are released, and have good survival rates in the wild. The turtle farm also has several rare iguanas and a caiman on display. West Bay district is also home to a formation of limestone affectionately known to islanders as Hell. Merchandise "from Hell" can be purchased nearby. Stingray City, located a short boat ride from the northern end of Grand Cayman, is a series of shallow sand bars where sting rays are found in abundance and visitors can feed, pet, and interact with the animals. The southern stingrays can grow to large sizes (100 cm or more in span) and are quite accustomed to being handled and fed. A trip from a local tour operator will usually include snorkelling in coral gardens before arriving at Stingray City. In the southern district of Bodden Town is the historic house of Pedro St. James, considered the birthplace of democracy in the Cayman Islands. It is also the oldest known existing stone structure on Grand Cayman. In the Eastern Districts of the island are the districts of Bodden Town, East End and North Side. In the centre of the island (in North Side district) is the Mastic Trail, a hiking trail through old growth dry forests that used to cover the entire island. Plants and animals native to Grand Cayman, such as the Mastic Tree, green parrot, and agouti, can be seen. Trivia
The island was featured in the book The Firm by John Grisham and subsequently in the films The Firm and more recently Haven directed by Caymanian, Frankie Flowers Jnr., starring Orlando Bloom. Grand Cayman is also the only island in the Caribbean to have an operational turtle farm. External links
CIA World Factbook entry on Grand Cayman (updated May 2], [[2006)Cayman Islands Government website of Cayman Islands Government
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